Congress Leaders Demand Independent Probe into Ram Temple Donation Theft

Shillong, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent probe into the Ram Temple donation theft case, citing devotees’ feelings of betrayal due to the allegations. This call for an inquiry comes amidst a growing concern among the public regarding the management and transparency of funds associated with one of India's most significant religious sites.

The Ram Temple donation theft case is a criminal investigation into the embezzlement of cash and precious items donated by devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This temple holds immense significance for millions of Hindus, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, a revered deity in Hinduism. The temple's construction has been a focal point of political and religious discourse in India for decades, and the management of its finances is of paramount importance to maintain the trust of its devotees.

The Congress leaders criticized the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s governance, noting members’ affiliations with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and called for full public disclosure of cash, gold, silver offerings, and accounts regardless of political influence. The trust was established following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2019, which paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. Given the historical context, the management of funds has been a sensitive issue, making the recent allegations particularly concerning.

In the letter, Gandhi and Kharge wrote, “You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and Trust are feeling betrayed by the theft.” This statement underscores the emotional and spiritual investment that many devotees have in the temple, and how financial mismanagement could undermine their faith in the institution.

They said that even though PM Modi announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on the directions of the Supreme Court, its members “have been solely appointed by your government.” This raises questions about the accountability and oversight of the Trust, especially considering the political affiliations of its members. The Congress leaders pointed out that it is “public knowledge” that the members of the Trust are “affiliated with the RSS, VHP,” and its affiliates, suggesting a potential conflict of interest in the management of donations.

“Its disgraced former General Secretary was also your close associate,” the letter read, referring to the political connections that could potentially shield individuals from accountability. The implication here is that the intertwining of politics and religion in this context may have led to a lack of transparency and oversight in the Trust's operations.

“Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution. We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold, silver,” the Congress leaders said. This demand reflects a broader call for ethical governance, especially in institutions that handle public donations and trust.

They demanded that the findings and the Trust’s accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilized. This transparency is crucial for restoring faith among the devotees and ensuring that the temple remains a symbol of integrity and devotion.

“All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act. The people of India are watching,” Gandhi and Kharge stated. This statement highlights the political ramifications of the case, as public trust in government institutions is closely tied to perceptions of accountability and justice.

The case came to light when whistleblowers raised concerns that up to Rs 7 crore worth of cash and jewellery may have been siphoned off. This revelation has shocked many devotees who believed that their contributions were being managed with integrity. The Uttar Pradesh government appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to audit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accounts and monitor the counting rooms. The establishment of an SIT indicates the seriousness of the allegations and the government's commitment to addressing corruption.

The Supreme Court has also demanded a status report on the probe, reflecting the judiciary's interest in ensuring that the Trust operates within the bounds of law and ethics. This involvement of the Supreme Court is significant as it adds a layer of judicial oversight to the investigation, potentially influencing the outcome and ensuring that the findings are credible.

So far, the police have arrested eight individuals, including temple staff, bank employees, and aides to trust officials, after discovering security lapses and unauthorized access during the cash-counting process. These arrests highlight the systemic issues within the Trust's operations and the need for robust security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the temple trust tightened security, implementing mandatory frisking, biometric tracking, and police oversight in all counting areas to prevent future theft. These measures are a response to the public outcry and aim to restore confidence among devotees regarding the safety and integrity of their donations. The implementation of such security protocols may also serve as a model for other religious institutions handling large sums of donations.

The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate concerns of theft and embezzlement. It raises broader questions about the governance of religious trusts in India, the role of political affiliations in managing such institutions, and the necessity for transparency and accountability in all sectors, particularly those involving public trust and donations. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial for the government and the Trust to address these concerns comprehensively to restore faith among devotees and maintain the sanctity of the Ram Temple as a place of worship.